A 23-year-old tyre was found by trading standards officers from Durham county council

Sixteen people were killed and 908 hurt in reported accidents in 2015 where illegal, defective or under-inflated tyres were a factor, Government figures show. The LGA’s Simon Blackburn called firms selling danger tyres “irresponsible” and said they have “questions to answer as they are putting lives at serious risk”.

He also urged those tempted by cheaper part-worns to check for cracks, tears, lumps and state of the tread before buying. Mr Blackburn added: “New tyres may offer better value for money in the long term.”